nictitating membrane

[ nik-ti-tey-ting mem-breyn ]

noun

1. a thin membrane, or inner or third eyelid, present in many animals, capable of being drawn across the eyeball, as for protection.

nictitating membrane

/ ˈnɪktɪˌteɪtɪŋ /

noun

1. (in reptiles, birds, and some mammals) a thin fold of skin beneath the eyelid that can be drawn across the eye Also calledthird eyelidhaw

nictitating membrane

/ nĭk′tĭ-tā′tĭng /

1. A transparent inner eyelid in birds, reptiles, amphibians, and some mammals that protects and moistens the eye without blocking vision.

Word History and Origins

Origin of nictitating membrane¹

1705–15; nictitate ( def ) + -ing ²

Example Sentences

None have the nictitating membrane, and in all the eggs are hatched internally.

From Project Gutenberg

The eye is provided with a nictitating membrane or third eyelid, at the base of which open the ducts of the Harderian gland.

From Project Gutenberg

The moment after, the eye itself confirmed this—the nictitating membrane was rapidly drawn over it, and as rapidly removed.

From Project Gutenberg

Haw, haw, n. the nictitating membrane or third eyelid, as of a horse; also a disease of this membrane.

From Project Gutenberg

In Elasmobranchii they are better developed, and the nictitating membrane is frequently present.

From Project Gutenberg